PRATT – Deer hunters across Kansas can have deer they harvest during the 2021-2022 seasons tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) free of charge through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. KDWP, in collaboration with the University of Missouri, is continuing a three-year research project to better understand where CWD is present in Kansas and how the disease spreads. As part of the research project, the cost of CWD testing will again be covered for up to 450 samples per Deer Management Unit (DMU). All hunters need to provide to receive free testing is harvest location of the deer in the form of GPS coordinates, section Range-Township-Section number, or nearest intersection.

Here’s how hunters can receive cost-free CWD testing during the 2021-2022 seasons:

• Hunters may obtain collection instructions from University of Missouri staff by calling 620-402-4195 or emailing kscwdsurveillance@gmail.com. And, hunters in DMUs 5, 6, 15, 16, 17 and 18 may receive direct assistance from University of Missouri staff. Simply call or email to make arrangements.

• Hunters may drop off samples to their local KDWP district biologist. See https://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/Locations/Administrative-Offices for KDWP contact information.

Hunters may also receive assistance collecting lymph nodes samples (necessary for testing) by visiting one of the approved sample collection locations listed athttps://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD/CWD-Sampling.

For more information on CWD in Kansas, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Big-Game-Information/Chronic-Wasting-Disease-CWD or www.cwdks.com.